Most think moderate drinking is good for health and male and female limits should be same

Most think moderate drinking is good for health and male and female limits should be same

THE Government is being urged to hold a new consultation on alcohol consumption, after a study showed that most people believe that drinking in moderation is part of a healthy lifestyle.

PUBLISHED: 10:00, Tue, Aug 9, 2016
| UPDATED: 10:23, Tue, Aug 9, 2016

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More than half of those surveyed thought guidelines should be the same for men and women

A survey of more than 2,000 adults revealed that over half disagreed with official health guidelines, and that they should be the same for men and women.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said that its research showed that the Health Department should launch a public consultation on whether guidelines on drinking were “fit for purpose”.

Scientific studies have shown that moderate drinking can have a protective effect against various health problems including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and certain forms of cancer, said Camra.

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The campaign group said that the studies were ignored in alcohol guidelines.

Speaking at the start of Camra's annual Great British Beer Festival in London, Colin Valentine, the chairman, said: “The figures show that Government advice on drinking is at odds with common sense.

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Studies have shown that moderate drinking can have a protective effect against some health problems

“If the Government wants people to take the guidance seriously then it needs to present people with realistic and believable advice, which they can use to judge their own risk when it comes to responsible drinking.

“If the public feels, as our figures suggest, that the guidelines are not credible and lack evidence, the danger is they will increasingly just ignore them.

“There are decades of international scientific evidence showing that moderate drinking can play an important part in a healthy and happy lifestyle.

“We'd like to see that research reflected in a more grown-up approach to help adults understand the risks and benefits associated with drinking.”